Lake Orion will face its biggest challenge of the season on Friday, when they host the Wolves of Clarkston at Lake Orion High School.

Both teams are undefeated. They are ranked one and two in Division I and both teams know the annual rivalry is as intense as ever.

Dragon’s Coach Chris Bell and Wolves’ Coach Kurt Richardson both are keeping tabs on each other’s teams and know what to expect after kickoff on Friday.

Richardson said he is simply happy that his team will be healthy for the game and said he’s expecting a “dog fight.” Bell compared the two team’s abilities.

“They’re huge up front with a big defensive line, a good running back and an athletic quarterback who can run and has an arm that will make you pay if you’re caught sleeping,” said Bell. “They pride themselves on their ability to run the ball and come right at you. They have a mix of young guys and older guys and it will probably be the best defense we’ve seen yet. They probably have the league’s best kicker and he’s already made a 50-yard-plus field goal.

“It’s a great challenge and will be a great football game. It’s about their size versus our speed.”

Last year, Orion lost the game by just one touchdown, but Bell said last year’s result will have little impact on the outcome of this year’s game. None of his players are focused on last year’s loss.

Despite the challenge, Bell said his team isn’t necessarily working on anything special for Clarkston, adding that at this point in the year, “you do what you do and now we have to do it against a great opponent.”

He said he has great respect for the Clarkston program.

“We have tremendous respect for each other and his staff does a great job,” said Bell. “It’s always a great atmosphere and both schools get huge support from their communities and draw large crowds. Whenever we play there is a lot at stake and it’s always a great football game.”

Richardson echoed these thoughts.

“They are a very good team, are well coached and I love playing them,” he said. “It’s a great rivalry, it will be fun and there will be tons of people there.”